Escapees September-October 2023

Sharing The RV Lifestyle

TREASURE HUNTING In the 21st Century PAGE37

HANDICAPPED TRAVEL CLUB ESCAPEES BOF Enjoying Accessibility and Camaraderie One Adventure at a Time PAGE34

WORK-CAMPING AT THE INDIANAPOLIS 500 An Unexpected Family-fun Opportunity PAGE40

September/October 2023 | Vol 45 Issue 2 www.escapees.com

DOMICILE Legal advice on questions of domicile as a full-time RVer.

ESTATE PLANNING Quality legal advice to establish a comprehensive estate plan.

BANKING Banking services to to support your personal and business  nancial needs.

HEALTH INSURANCE Licensed agents who will shop, advise, and let you decide.

PROPERTY INSURANCE Property and casualty insurance through multiple RV insurance carriers for full-time RVers.

INVESTMENTS A broad range of  nancial services to  t your needs.

FINANCIAL In-depth evaluation of your current  nancial situation.

Creating Meaningful Connections with Local Professionals for Escapees Mail Service Members D MICILE SUITEOF SERVICES escapees.com/escapees-domicile-suite-services

thoughts for the road

I can’t promise that you will have such an unforgettable adventure. But I can say with certainty that you will miss many wonderful experiences if you are always tied to the umbilical cord of a prearranged itinerary. Serendipity dies in the shadow of predictability. Those who always follow any strict itinerary remind me of the processionary caterpillar, a strange breed that feeds on pine trees and gets its name because it always moves through the trees in a long procession. One leads and the others follow, each with its head snugly fi tted against the rear extremity of its predecessor. A French naturalist tried an experiment. He placed them in a circle on the rim of a fl ower pot with each one connected to the last. They kept moving around the rim of the pot until exhaustion and starvation set in. Habit and past experience kept them from leaving the rim to partake in the food supply that was close by and easily visible. If our travels are going to be a great adventure, we cannot be afraid to take a risk and leave the procession occasionally. Otherwise, we can end up going in circles along the rim of life. It is the unknown and the unplanned, so rich in possibilities, that turn life into an adventure. An excerpt from Escapees magazine Sept/Oct 2006

Co-founder

September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 1

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features 34 The New Handicapped Travel Club Escapees BOF BY RENE AGREDANO Enjoying Accessibility and Camaraderie One Adventure at a Time 37 21st Century Treasure Hunt Geocaching BY EVANNE SCHMARDER Sure, many of us aren’t rogue swashbucklers or American historians but, as RVers, we are avid adventurers. 40 Work Camping at The Indianapolis 500 BY BIANCA DUMAS When my family was on a multi-year, multi-state RV adventure, we discovered work camping, which opened up places and educational opportunities that we never would have imagined. 44 Protection From the Elements With An RV Cover BY EMILY FAGAN A discussion in the Escapees RV forum pointed us to the Goldline RV cover, by Eevelle. 47 Add Counter Space with a Flip-up Shelf! BY EMILY FAGAN Our 33' Genesis Supreme toy hauler has a doll-house sized kitchen with almost no counter space. 50 Civic Engagement BY SAMUEL BURK Why voting is more important than ever 52 Kansas East, West and in Between BY DOROTHY RIEKE Beauty is apparent everywhere in the state of Kansas. 58 Up, Up and Away with Boomers and Balloons BY TINA CAPARELLA A 40-year bucket list item was fi nally checked off.

On the Cover PHOTO BY TARAH WISSER #177268

This beautiful cover photo was taken while traveling on the Avenue of Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive through old growth Redwoods in Northern California. Tarah says, “We trav eled this route in March, while touring the country full time. Even our 42 ft. fi fthwheel felt tiny surrounded by these magni fi cent towering trees!

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023 2

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37

44

52

PHOTO BY ANDREA LARAYNE ETZEL

travel 19 Day’s End compiled BY GUY GIPSON 70 Escapees Head Out Program BY LISA KOCA 78 Park Chart and Events 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 23 SKPStops 32 View fi nder lifestyle 10 Escapees SmartWeigh 83 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 30 From the Bookshelf BY MARCELLA GAUTHER 06 Mark, My Words BY MARK NEMETH 08 RV Gadget Box BY MARK NEMETH 01 Thoughts for the Road BY KAY PETERSON 10 Weight and Safety Tip BYJIMKOCA

community 18 62nd Escapade 80 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

76 Calling All Chapters 12 Camping Chair Chat 75 Chapter Map

22 Escapees CARE, Inc. 64 Escapees Hangouts 72 Events and Rally Calendar 87 Final Journeys 62 Message from the Board 74 SKP Dine-outs 66 Xscapers 85 Advertisers Index

84 Marketplace 86 Classi fi edAds BC ClubBene fi ts

September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 3

contents

ClubSta ff Club Founders Joe and Kay Peterson President Travis Carr Vice President Melanie Carr

Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Travis Carr Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Melanie Carr Chief Operations O ffi cer Teresa Moore General Manager Kelly Brown Escapees RV Parks Administrator Cindy Neilsen National Escapade Directors Rob and Laura Kernodle Chapter Director/BoF Coordinator Wendy Stanwood HOP Director Lisa Koca

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

Hangouts Directors Theresé Julo Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca

“ If we use your photo for the cover, you will be compensated $ 200.”

Brand Director Brandon Hatcher

Marketing Director Kerensa Durr Communications Director Georgianne Austin Magazine Sta ff Managing Editor Tammy Johnson Copy Editor Carol Rice Editorial Assistant Kelly Evans-Hill Graphic Artist Krystina Evans Graphic Artist Cole Carter Advertising Director Kelly Evans-Hill Technical Advisor Mark Nemeth

Once again, fall is about to make it’s debut and, as always, many of us have been anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. This time of year ushers in many of our favorite things, such as cooler temps, changing leaves and nightly camp fi re gatherings. If you’re like me, you already have those S’more ingredients on hand and ready for that beloved camp fi re treat. A s you head out on your travels this fall, don’t forget your Escapees magazine. In this issue, you’ll fi nd interesting destination stops, as well as other valuable information. You might even fi nd out about a few useful products that you didn’t know existed. Staff at Escapees are alway looking for tips and tricks, and valuable products that can make your life easier out there on the road. If you have a product, gadget or service that you simply can’t live without, tell us about it so we can share it with others! We’ll be sure to give you credit for fi nding it fi rst. I know there are a lot of you who love to document your travels through photos. This is yet another way you can share your travels with the RVing community. If you would like to submit photos for the cover, you can download the photo guidelines from the Escapees website. If we use your photo for the cover, you will be compensated $200. You can also share themed photos for the “View fi nder” column in each issue. Even though this column is for bragging rights only, it’s a good way to share your travels with others. So, get out there and have some fun this fall! Remember, good times are best when they are spent with friends. My wish for you is to fi nd a nice camp fi re and someone to share those s’mores with real soon. Happy travels to you all.

• Submissions of features on all phases of RV living are welcome. Writers’ guidelines and payment schedule are available upon request: editor@escapees.com • For commercial display ads, contact advertising by calling 936-327-8873 or e-mail advertising@escapees.com. • Send address changes to Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or clubbusiness@escapees.com. Escapees magazine (ISSN-1556-7486) is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351. Periodical postage paid at Livingston, Texas, and additional mailingo ffi ces. 936-327-8873. Fax: 936-327-4388. Website: www.escapees.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Escapees RV Club, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351-9300. Copyright© 2023 by Escapees, Inc. All rights reserved. Escapees magazine is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., RoVing Press, in Livingston, Texas. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a data-retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed under individual names are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. Escapees does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading ads. The name Escapees and the house-in-a-wagon logo are registered trademarks of Escapees, Inc., a Texas corporation. Commercial or noncommercial use requires an annual permit. Escapees Corporate O ffi ce 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388, www.escapees.com Escapees Mail Service O ffi ce 101 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77399-9330 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388 www.escapees.com/mail-service The written material within this publication is provided for educa tional or informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Escapees makes no e ff ort to verify the information in this publication and, therefore, Escapees does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the contributors’ submissions. Escapees shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the materials herein.

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023 4

ENJOY THEVIEW & the lifestyle.

COVERAGE & SERVICE FOR a ll of your jour n eys.

# Full-Timer’s Coverage ! Replacement Cost & Agreed Value " Pet Insurance

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mark, my words

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN LYNCH, WWW.ARTOFRV.COM

Your RV Questions By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

Pizza Stone to Distribute Heat Q. I cook in my RV all the time, and I have a problem when I use the oven. The center of all my dishes burn (because it's directly over the gas element), and the rest gets done fi ne. It there a trick to not having the center get burnt? Please let me know. Denise A. Old time RVers came up with a solution to this common problem years ago. All you need to do is purchase a 12" x 12" unglazed ceramic tile, or a pizza stone, and place it in the center of the metal de fl ector shelf above the oven burner. The stone helps distribute the heat and prevent hot spots from burning your cookies! Pizza stones are available at most kitchen stores and the tiles can be found at home improvement centers.

Battery Cuto ff Switch Q. I recently purchased a battery cuto ff switch for my Montana fi fth wheel. My problem is that I am getting con fl icting advice on whether to install it on the negative terminal or the positive terminal of the battery. Does it really matter? Lee A. Electrically, it really doesn’t matter which terminal you install the switch on. Breaking the circuit at either terminal will prevent any current fl owtoor from the battery. However, the debate rages! Some folks say put it on the negative side because you have to disconnect the negative anyway for the switch install. Others say that placing the switch on the positive terminal is safer, because, that way, when the switch is off, the entire 12V positive cable and wiring system is de-energized. I personally always install them on the positive terminal, but that’s just me. Regardless which terminal you choose, make sure that all wiring is properly insulated and protected from cha fi ng caused by vibration, and that the switch is mounted securely. You can literally arc weld with the current that 12V batteries can supply, so make sure the switch is installed safely! “Electrically, it really doesn’t matter which terminal you install the switch on… However, the debate rages!”

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

mark, my words

Clogged A/C Drain Q. I have a Duo-Therm roof AC on my RV. It worked fi ne in West Texas where I live, but I’m in Arkansas now where the humidity is higher. We have developed a problem with it dripping water through the intake vent. I had it serviced in May, before we started our trip, and I have opened the cover and checked to ensure the coils are draining properly, and they are basically dry with no frozen water. I noticed a cover over the area where the cold air is cooled in the RV but didn’t open it. Should I take it someplace to have it checked and possibly cleaned in the ducted part, or is there something I can do to see if the water can be reduced? I have two units, and the one in the rear is the only one doing this. Gary A. In most cases, if you are getting condensation water from the air condi tioner dripping into the inside of the rig through the air conditioner vents, you have a clogged drain on the unit. Here is some general information on opening the evaporator case and cleaning the drains. Most roof airs have two plastic drains for condensation water, located on the sides of the air conditioning unit baseplate. These will often become restricted by a buildup of dirt and goo, and that can cause the condensate water to fi nd a new path, like into the interior of the coach. The cure is a simple clean ing of the drains and the evaporator compartment. Shut the unit off and, to be extra safe, either unplug from shore power or turn off the breaker that serves the air conditioner. On the roof, remove the plastic shroud. Remove the cover over the evaporator core. Use a spray cleaner, like Fantastic or 409, and clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan. Use a small brush or apieceof fl exible wire to clean out the little plastic drains that are found on each side of the baseplate. Button it up, and you should be good to go. I found this webpage with pictures and info to help you do the job: bryantrv. com/roofacleaks.html. There are a lot of videos on YouTube as well. Take a look before you get on the roof. As always, don’t take on a task unless you feel it is within your abilities. If you prefer, most RV service providers can do this for you, and it is a fairly easy job, so it should not be expensive. A recent question in your column was about dash A/C not being enough to keep driver and passenger cool during driving, and we have come up with an easy solution. We purchased a tension rod from Walmart and rigged it behind us in the driving area. On it, we placed a simple $1 shower curtain liner which extends down to the fl oor. It keeps the a/c in the front where we need it, and we don’t burn any extra diesel fuel while we travel by adding the roof air run by the generator. I hope this helps with anyone having this problem. It also works when we travel in the cold weather to keep the heat up front where we need it. Pizma D Reader Response: Dash A/C Tip

Squirt, Then Stop Q. The ceramic toilet in our Sunnybrook RV has a spray hose next to it that is mounted on the wall. When you step on the fl ush lever, a small amount of water squirts out and hits you. It should only operate when the lever on the spray hose nozzle is pressed at the same time you are stepping onthe fl ush lever. What could be causing this small squirt? Robert A. The sprayer is only supplied withwater

pressure when the toilet fl ush

valve is open. If the valve on the sprayer gets sticky or dirty, it will often exhibit that kind of “squirt, then stop” problem when the water pressure fi rst hits the sprayer as you fl ush. The fi x is easy and inexpensive, since this

hose sprayer is essentially the same type you fi nd on kitchen sinks, make a trip to your near est home improvement store and buy a replacement sprayer head. They are typically univer sal, but you can always take yours along to compare. Just be sure not to fl ush the toilet while the sprayer is missing, or you might get a major surprise. (Hint: remember to warn your travel companion!) “The fi x is easy and inexpensive…”

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR MARK? Submissions must not contain commercial advertising or consumer advocacy issues. Due to the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, we may be unable to reply or acknowledge receipt of your material. Material will be edited. Questions and answers with the highest general interest may be repeated in subsequent issues. Questions can be sent by mail to “Mark, My Words” Column, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or to techquestions@escapees.com.

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September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

rv gadget box

PHOTO BY GEORGIANNE AUSTIN #131681

Napier SUV Tent By GEORGIANNE AUSTIN #131681, Escapees Communications Director

While we are a club of RVing enthusiasts, there are among us members who are either still tent camping (pre- fi rstRV!) or enjoy tent camping as a way to explore more remote areas that their RVs cannot safely access. This is why, when Napier Outdoors reached out to us about trying their SUV tents, I eagerly agreed to be the guinea pig! I’ve shopped around for SUV tents before, but hadn’t yet found one I loved enough to splurge on and that fi tmy vehicle while meeting my needs. F irst things fi rst, it is a bit heavy. Their website says it’s 39 pounds fully packed, and I believe it! Even so, I’m con fi dent that I can set up this tent by myself if needed. My fi rst adventure with it was while camping with a friend, so I haven’t yet tried setting it up solo. The instructions were clear (and attached to the inside of the bag) and all parts accounted for. While I’d like to say

we took the logical approach of laying everything out ahead of time and ensuring we knew what was what, the reality was we did the exact opposite. We also didn’t watch any of the how-to videos they offer or read the instructions in full before beginning. (We wanted to go for an authentic experience…) And we still successfully set up the tent! There were some minor hiccups along the way that had us scratching our heads. For example, the hard plastic corner joints are designed to face a certain way when you insert the poles, with one end being narrower than the other. If not faced correctly, only one pole fi ts instead of the necessary two. Once we realized our mistake, the fi x was quick and easy. We also misplaced the small bag of pole caps and extra guy lines and thought maybe we were just misunderstanding the directions for the awning until we later found the plastic bag. Those pieces are now in a much more visible pouch, by the way. We set up the main tent in about 20 minutes, even with our hiccups, then backed up the Xterra to attach the hatch sleeve. Connecting the two was easy, especially with a roof rack. Within a minute or two, we had the tent attached securely to the SUV hatch and

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023 8

rv gadget box

Calling All Gadgets If you have a favorite RV gadget, tell us about it! If we like it, we may review it in the “RV Gadget Box” column and credit you with discovering it! Contact us at techquestions@escapees.com. RV Gadget Box archive: https://gadgetbox.escapees.com

Napier Sportz SUV Tent—MODEL #82000 MSRP: $378 (Include the code ESCAPEES25 for 25%o ff all tents through December 31, 2023.) www.napieroutdoors.com/us/3000 22 Export Avenue, St. Catherines, ON, Canada 800-567-2434 www.napieroutdoors.com/us/contact-us

started setting up our campsite. Walking around inside the main tent was a new experience for my 5'10" self. I had plenty of room to stand up straight and stretch in the seven-foot headspace! Given how short most tents (and RVs) are, this made me exceedingly happy. No more shimmying into hiking pants while hunched over and off-balance! Thanks to an unexpected downpour, we got to test the tent’s waterproofness that afternoon. The rain fl y, tent and hatch portion all held up well, even when the wind picked up! The only “leak” we saw was that

Separating from the main tent was easy, as was the reconnecting when we returned. This also gave us a chance to fully air out the bottom wall of the sleeve, which still had a small puddle from the prior day’s rain. The SUV opening in the main wall is easily zipped shut to protect the interior and give privacy when the vehicle is no longer connected. The hardest part of reconnect ing was lining up the hatch to the now-established tent, but my vehicle also doesn’t have a backing camera. Even so, we were reconnected in less than fi ve minutes. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to get a tent as neat and compact as it was when it was fi rst unpacked. The same was true for this Napier tent, but they built in some help for campers like us: the tent bag has a compression zipper! You can add an extra inch or two of depth to the tent bag by pulling the zipper one way, then once you have it all packed in there, you can pull it back the other way to compress the bag back to its original dimensions (if needed). Knowing I’d have to open the tent back up at home to fi nish drying out after the rain, we didn’t try very hard to pack it away neatly and that extra space was much appreciated. Given how much research I did six years ago when we fi rst got our Xterra and explored the world of SUV tents, this tent from Napier far exceeded my expecta tions. From ease of use and reliable structure to privacy and comfort, this was well worth the dedicated trip to test it out! It’s a great alternative for SUV campers who don’t want a rooftop tent. It’s a temporary structure that is easily assembled alone or with help, roomy both in footprint and interior height, and a great way to extend your living space when car camping. If you anticipate camping in rainy weather, take the time to waterproof the sleeve yourself ahead of time or grab an extra tarp, if you’re unable to remove the sleeve as suggested by Napier. GEORGIANNE AUSTIN #131681 grew up exploring the outdoors, something she continues decades later through road trips, camping, hiking and more. You may have even seen her at an Escapees event in her green Xterra out fi tted for car camping! An RV is in the future, but in the meantime, a lack of one isn’t slowing her down.

Send your questions via e-mail to TECHQUESTIONS@ESCAPEES.COM

once the rain passed about an hour later, there were small puddles in the bottom wall of the sleeve. Reading others’ reviews of this tent, I learned the vehicle sleeve is not as waterproof as the tent, and the rain fl y is not designed to extend over the sleeve. While all our belongings and the interiors of both the SUV and the tent remained dry, a puddle formed in the bottom of the sleeve. Grommeted holes allowed for drainage once the rain let up. For future trips, I’ll likely pack an extra tarp to cover the vehicle sleeve, just in case. (Sidenote: Napier advises users to take down the vehicle sleeve during inclement weather, which I didn’t see before this camping trip.) That night, we got to test the privacy of the tent. I headed off to the bathhouse while my friend got dressed forbedby fl ashlight. When I returned, I presumed they’d already gone to sleep because I couldn’t see any light or shadows. Turns out, the tent walls and rain fl y are thick enough to block most light from being seen outside the tent! Even with Re fl ectix panels in the SUV windows, I could see more light coming through the Xterra than through the tent. The next day, we detached the Xterra to drive to a hiking trail and run a few errands in town.

September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 9

weight and safety

“One of the most important things you should do is to open the escape window yearly and spray the rubber trim with Aerospace 303.”

Emergency Exit By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

When the window is open, it will tend to slam back down in the frame. You can use a wooden dowel rod to prop it open. The window trim is metal and sharp so, before you exit, place a blanket on the window trim. Be sure to throw your “go-bag” out of the exit window. (A go-bag is a bag that contains all your important documents and items that you would not want to perish in a fi re.) Always go out the window feet fi rst, belly down. Once your hips are past the window frame, you will be

If you have a fi re in your RV at 2:47 a.m., will you know how to get out of your RV? Do you have a plan, and do you practice the plan? Fires can happen any time of the day or night. It is an equal opportunity destroy er. When an RV is on fi re, it will probably result in a total loss. You need to develop

and practice your plan. O neof the fi rst require ments is to locate the emergency exits in your RV. Generally, they are in the rear of the RV, but don’t forget, the entrance door is also an emergency exit. According to Mac the Fire Guy, a fi re will double in size every 20 seconds. This means you have very little time to decide what to do at 2:47 a.m.

committed to exiting the RV. As you exit the window, you can hold onto the windowsill and then just let go and drop to the ground. In reality, your feet are not that far off the ground when you fully exit the RV. Now, it is time to help your travel companions out the window, grab your go-bag from where you dropped it

EMERGENCY EXIT Pull Red Handle Up Push Window Out

on the ground, get away from the RV and call 911. Some RVs have an emergency door in the rear. Again, you

All manufactured RVs are required by law to have an emergency escape window or door in order to exit the RV in case of fi re or other catastrophe, such as an accident. The escape window can be located by the red handles or other markings designating an exit. One of the most important things you should do is to open the escape window yearly and spray the rubber trim with Aerospace 303. In doing this, the rubber seal with stay soft and pliable. Opening and lubricating the seal needs to be done yearly. Otherwise, the rubber can melt and bond to the window, requiring more effort to open it, and this could waste valuable time during an emergency. Now, for the best part. All members of the household need to practice getting out of the RV through the escape window. It only needs to be practiced once.

need to practice using this door. We at Escapees hope you never have an RV fi re, but it’s wise to be prepared in case you do. So, be sure to add “open the window and lubricate the rubber seal” to your maintenance list.

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV,

toad and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information on SmartWeigh. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

20% OFF ESCAPEES MEMBERS

camping chair chat

RVers’ Sharing Tips, Opinions and Advice from the Road Submissions sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

Disaster Strikes Saguaro SKP Co-Op Escapees Park

62, on the next level down, is lot 65 with Dale and Roxanne. Greg, on Lot 27, is on the other side of Yucca, a few lots south. Between 63 and 278 are two streets and a paved boondocking area. Ken and Karen were in their usual places. Ken was in their Casita early that morning, trying to catch a nap in his recliner. Their cat, Flash, was on his lap. Karen was in the trailer. Dennis, the SKP Co-Op facilities manager on Lot 278, was sipping his coffee, gazing out the window, looking across the boondock area toward the fi fthwheel on 63. Greg was taking their dog for a walk, heading south on Yucca. Dale and Roxanne were getting ready for the day. Dennis saw the tremendous explosion as it happened, blowing pieces of the Casita’s roof and walls upward above the fi fth wheel and out into the street in front of lot 62. Dennis ran to help. Greg dropped the dog’s leash and ran to assist as well. Karen was trapped in their trailer, unable to move to the front because the way was blocked and the back screen door was jammed. Ken could not move from what was left of the recliner. He was covered with beams, the shower wall and debris. His pajama bottoms were caught in the chair mechanism. Ken and Karen were yelling for each other and for help. Greg ripped off the screen door and got Karen into the waiting arms of neighbors. Dennis and Dale were

It was a quiet Sunday morning at SKP Saguaro Co-Op in Benson, Arizona. I took my dog for a walk just after 6:00 a.m. and hoped to fall asleep again. However, a sharp, loud blast and shockwave bounced me out of bed a few minutes before 7:00 a.m. I ran outside to see what happened and saw people running towards the smoke, fl ames and rubble on lot 62. I joined them. I saw Ken and Karen, leaseholders of lot 62, who had been pulled from the wreckage. Ken had burns to his face, head and legs. Blood was running down his arm, and a blanket had been draped over his shoulders. Leaseholders, Dale and Greg, supported him. Karen was across the street, surrounded by folks helping her. I wondered what had happened to cause such a violent explosion. Where was the ambulance? Where were the fi re trucks? Finally, a police car arrived on the scene, but theof fi cer didn’t know what to do as more SKP Co-Op folks arrived. To explain a bit of the Co-Op geography, lot 63 belongs to Dave and Lynn and is on the NE corner of Yucca Lane, which runs north/south. Next is Ken and Karen on lot 62, with Mary and Roger on lot 61. Behind

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

camping chair chat

moving debris as fast as they could, trying to free Ken. Greg jumped in to help. Dennis turned his attention to fi ghting the expanding fi re using the 50-ft. hose at each lot, required by the SKP Co-Op. It helped slow the fi re’s spread but wasn’t enough to extinguish it. Ken shed his pajama bottoms to get free and Dale and Greg carried him to safety. Now, several people from the SKP Co-Op were trying to help in any manner. Finally, a siren announced the ambulance’s arrival. The fi re was expanding rapidly, and Denniswas fi ghting a losing battle as the 5th wheel on 63caught fi re. Also, the Casita on 61 began to burn, and we are still waiting for fi re equipment. There were several smaller explosions on 62. Probably the tires, but we feared it was the propane tanks, as the fi re continued to spread. Ammunition started to explode in the trailer on 62. At last, the fi rst volunteer fi re truck arrived after nearly a half hour. Crewed by only two people, they laid downa fi rehose to a far-away hydrant. There was still no water on the fi re when Ken’s and Karen’s car started to burn. There was a lot of concern as the fl amesmoved closer to the gas tank. Fortunately, another fi re truck arrived from the south on Yucca, where it put out the vehicle fi re using water onboard. The fi fth wheel on 63 burnt to the ground in about 11 minutes. It, too, had exploding tires and ammunition, which drove fi rst responders back for a while. Heat could be felt as far as away as 500 feet. The fi re destroyed a fi fth wheel, two trailers and a Casita. The Casita on 61 was heavily damaged. Ken and Karen, who have been SKP Co-Op members since 1997, were left with nothing. Their insurance had expired, and they were in the process of fi nding a new carrier. A situation that didn’t seem urgent since the SKP Co-Op never had any serious fi res, and the wild fi re season was yet to start. Additionally, the insurance company for the fi fth wheel wants Ken and Karen to pay for it. The park has had fundraisers, and folks have made fi nancial donations. Sandy, another leaseholder, will provide them with her motorhome for as long as they want. Everybody is trying to help in various ways. The solar system needed to be removed to make Sandy’s motorhome available to Ken and Karen. A team took them down, and the techs waived or discounted their fees for removing the electronics and batteries. Fortunately, Ken’s burns are healing after several days in a care facility. He and Karen are getting back to some sort of normalcy. They are staying at another leaseholder’s RV. Their lot has been cleared, but it’s still a reminder, to all who pass, of what happened. After 30 years of full-time RVing, I have seen many RVs destroyed or damaged but never knew the persons involved. Here at SKP Saguaro Co-Op, we are all family.

Lessons Learned • Never go back into a burning RV for any reason. • Keep a “go bag” by the door that contains copies of important documents and items. • Make sure your insurance stays up-to-date. • Think about having a “ fi rst responders’ day” in your park. Show them how you live and give them lunch. They may have suggestions to make things safer. • Propane caused the explosion; however no propane tank exploded. The safety features worked. The smell of propane wasn’t tracked to a source. Lot 62 did have a regular gas hot water tank. (Interesting fact: About one in fi ve people can’t smell propane.) It's been a wake-up call for everyone at our park, and we hug everyone when possible. Flash, the cat, was found a couple of days later, hiding under the trailer at 61, with his ears and paw pads slightly burned and his whiskers gone. If you would like to donate, please make a check payable to Karen Phillips and send it to SKP Saguaro Co-Op Of fi ce, 600 E. Saguaro Dr. # 245, Benson, AZ 85602. By William Hewes #27411 US States with Billboard Bans I enjoyed reading about billboards in the May/June 2023 issue of Escapees magazine. It brought back memories of the Burma Shave signs which I always loved reading. Advertising In A Big Way

I am wondering how many people know that four US states have no billboards. Since our cottage is in Vermont, I knew about their billboard ban but, while research ing a bit more about Vermont, I learned that three other states also ban them. The fi rstwas Hawaii, in 1927. The fi rst conti

By DOROTHYRIEKE GuestContributor

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023 40

BILLBOARDS

nental U.S. state to ban billboards was Vermont, in 1968, followed by Maine, in 1978, and Alaska, in 1998. Vermont has small, uniform signs that give tourists directions or distances to places. One way businesses in border towns in Vermont get around the billboard ban is to erect billboards a short distance across the border, in bordering states. If you are traveling in any of these four states, take notice and enjoy the natural beauty. Joyce Space #61818

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September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

camping chair chat

Woody the RVing Cockatiel While many RVers have dogs and cats that travel with them, we had Woody, a female cockatiel. In over 30 years of travel, I cannot recall ever seeing another RVer traveling with a bird, although, I am sure there are some out there who do. W oody came to us as a young bird given to my wife, Roberta, who loves all types of birds. She loved and related to Woody, as did I, and Woody loved to travel. Traveling

truck, with the fi fth-wheel trailer hitched up, Woody would sing to us the fi rst few hours on the road. No matter the weather or other conditions she was always cheerful and enjoyed the location. The road noise and the sound of the cars at the race tracks never seemed to bother her. There are many stories with Woody, such as us touring Tombstone, Arizona, with her in a pet chest pack and her nipping various cats that sniffed her cage wanting bird for lunch. She would misbehave at times, such as getting out of her cage in the fi fth wheel. She was always looking to fi nd hiding places, and protested loudly when we retrieved her. She liked nibbling at book bindings and when we said “no” to this and other activities she was not to be involved in, she would turn away and pretend she was not doing anything wrong until we looked away. Then like a two-year-old child, she would get right back

in a cage on the back seat, she went everywhere with us. For many years we followed a racing circuit every summer weekend, all over the north eastern U.S. Every weekend as we were getting ready to leave, we would ask Woody if she would like to go camping. She would chirp loudly and dance all over her cage. Once in the

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

camping chair chat

Morning Walks “Gotta get my steps in!” Whether you’ve said it, learned it from family member, a friend, a coworker or apple health, it’s safe to say we’ve all heard the phrase. There are countless resources available online that explain the bene fi ts of walking: it burns calories, improves your mood, improves cardiovascular health, helps with sleep, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress and diseases. The list goes on, but many people don’t talk enough about the bene fi ts of taking a walk fi rst thing in the morning. I’ve been full-time RVing for over two years and have taken a three to fi ve-mile walk every morning since day one. However, they didn’t become the best part of my day until I put my phone away. L et me explain. I used to wake up around sunrise, make some tea, check my texts, emails and social media, mind is most impressionable. Most people wake up and immediately check their phone. They check the news, their Instagram and

at it. When it continued we would put her back in her cage, and she would sulk. A number of years ago, our daughter was living in Los Angeles, California. We wanted to visit her and felt it was a good time to tour the country. Woody was happy to go with us. We traveled all over the US and she enjoyed every mile. By the end of our trip we had stayed in every state in the lower 48 except North Dakota and Nebraska. Woody wanted to go to Canada on both the west and east coast and she had all the paperwork needed. However, she could not get in if we had to cross water on entry. In the west it was a ferry ride. In the east, it was only a bridge over a river, but Woody was denied entry. Woody rode many miles in her cage on the back seat (usually facing backward). Occasionally, she was let out of her cage to explore. She liked the fl oor on the passenger side. Most stays were only overnight, but on the Maine coast she enjoyed extended stays with us and seemed to enjoy the Eagles, Ospray and Seagulls. The crows that called often, not so much; she would try to hide from them. She loved extended stays at Escapees, North Ranch, Congress, Arizona, where we owned a lot. She watched, with curiosity, the rabbits, quail and roadrunners and soaked up sunny days. After 33 years she passed away a few years ago. We miss Woody and our fun travels together. Now, we must be content with watching the many birds we see at North Ranch as well as those we see traveling across the country every year. Robert ‘‘Bob” Heath #108238

then set out into the morning sun. My husband and I move every two weeks, sometimes every few days, and the amount of country I’ve seen just from changing up my walks is something I cherish. I walked the beach of Monterey and was greeted by a sea lion. Last week, I saw an owl in the woods of Seattle, Wash ington. I’ve crossed snakes, been brushed by cacti and have scared, what seems like, a million deer. These walks are when I feel most grounded, present and connected with nature. They create the “Wow, is this life real?” moments for me while cultivating gratitude. I think everyone in this lifestyle can relate to those moments. Every time I pass another RVer on their morning walk I just want to say, “Isn’t this wonder ful?,” and sometimes I do! The brain wakes up in a theta state. This means that within the fi rst 5-15 minutes upon waking, our mind and body are still in a medita tive space, making it a perfect time to create new thought patterns and habits. This is also when the

Facebook accounts, and fl ood their brains with negativity or thoughts from their past or future. It sends us right out of the present moment and into chaos without even being aware of it. I may have been waking up and taking a walk, but I was bringing all that outside noise with me. So I pushed it a step further. Pun intended. Now, I wake up, drink a full glass of water, stretch, lace up my shoes and start walking. I keep my phone on do not disturb. The fi rst few minutes of my mornings are spent walking in nature and listening to the birds. For the fi rst hour or two of the day I have no idea what’s going on in the world, and it is pure bliss. Of course, when I come back from my walk, I turn my phone on and doom-scroll, but it hits me differently. I don’t carry all that with me through my day. I carry that birdsong, and the rest of the day fl ows better. I think the world would be a better place if we all just turned our phones off and took a walk. Kelley Welch #173565

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September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

camping chair chat

Looking Out for Your Future Self Ever run out of water in the middle of a shower? Ever have your car battery die in the middle of nowhere? Encounter a pack of wild dogs? Break down on a farm? That one happened just last week. No matter how long you’ve been on the road, some thing inevitably goes wrong. I’ve found a way to laugh at these moments, because everything always ends up working out, and I usually get a great story out of it. My hus band and I have been on the road for over 2 years with plenty of these kinds of sto ries to tell, but we’ve also found some ways to prepare and prevent. Each set back is a learning opportunity, so I gathered up a list of items you can get to be ready to take on the road’s challenges. • 7 Gallon Jug of Water: I must make this one fi rst, since it’s necessary for survival and all… but no joke, this one has saved me a dozen times. Having an extra 7-gallon jug on us always is such a great peace of mind. They are selling a great one at REI! • Portable Water Pump: Let’s face it, things in RVs break. When our water pump broke last Spring we had no way of putting more in our tanks. That won’t happen again. Having a portable water pump on hand helps ensure that. • Air Compressor: The nomadic lifestyle can take you anywhere, and with that comes climate fl uctuations. Swings in temperature can affect the pressure of your tires, not to mention the overall wear and tear from full time travel. I recommend having a portable air compressor. You can save yourself a trip to the gas station and fi ll it up whenever you need. This can be taken a step further by installing onboard air, because why even leave the tow vehicle? • Download Of fl ineMaps: Despite it being 2023, unless you have Starlink, you can still run into service issues. There are few things worse than pulling into an unknown campsite and you suddenly lose service

and direction. I recommend downloading of fl inemaps of places you’re going to and places you frequent. • Noco Boost Battery: If I had a quarter for every time, I left the passenger side mirror light on I’d have at least a few bucks by now. Oops, accidents happen, and car batteries die, now I make sure we have a battery on hand. This boost battery is lightweight and portable, it also doubles as a portable charger. It’s been our holy grail. • Pod lights: Any additional lighting you can install on your rig/vehicle will help with navigating the dark campsites at night. • Tools for Every Emergency: A socket set, impact wrench, air impact gun, these are just a few examples of what you might need. I recommend researching for your own rig and individual needs. Last week, our equalizer broke at a Harvest Hosts location. We were stuck there for days waiting on a tech until we fi nally went to Home Depot and got the right tools to get the job done. If it wasn’t for that sawzall, we’d probably still be at the farm. • Pet Medication: This one applies to pet owners on the road. My little guy has had two rattlesnake encounters and lost his eye in a dog fi ght, hehas been through it. He’s a very happy pup now and fully recovered, but I’ve learned a lot and recommend keeping dog medication on hand for emergencies, pain pills, stress relief, fl ea/tick, all the meds that meet your needs. Keeping them inside the rig acts as protection when we’re boondocking hours from the closest veterinary hospital. • Cash and Quarters: To end on a lighter note, having cash and quarters on hand is always a smart idea. If you’re like me and fi nd yourself in an endless cycle of laundry, you know most laundromats in America still use quarters. I really look out for my future self on this one and make sure to have a roll of quarters in the rig for laundry day. In addition to these items to have on deck, I also recommend having AAA or Good Sam membership for when all else fails. Been there! Hitting speed bumps is inevitable, but that’s all they are. Following some of these tips and having a positive attitude can get you out of just about anything. Kelley Welch #173565

Opinions contained in “Camping Chair Chat” are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. This column is for Escapees magazine readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting. Submissions that are sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

escapade

5 Days 1k Sites

Start Making Plans for the 63RD ESCAPADE Sweetwater Events Center, Rock Springs, Wyoming June 16–21, 2024

All the fun of Escapades will be returning to Rock Springs in 2024! More great live music, seminars, vendors and overall fun will be packed into the fi ve-day event. Rock Springs also provides the perfect opportunity to launch your summer plans with so many great destinations like Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, Grand Tetons and more. With over 1,000 full hook-up sites, Sweetwater Events Center allows the Escapees community to gather for a great reunion of old and new friends!

Rob and Laura Kernodle #131897 Escapade Directors

ESCAPEES.COM/ESCAPADE Tickets will go on sale towards the end of the year

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023

day’s end

Free and Low-Cost Parking Finds Compiled by GUYGIPSON #84383 • Download the entire online directory at www.daysenddirectory.com. The Day’s End Directory is a valuable tool to help you save money and fi nd safe overnight parking recommendations from fellow Escapees RVing members. Colorado

Connecticut THOMPSON : West Thompson Lake CG (COE). 11 BD sites and 11 E/W sites, tables, fi re ring/grills. Flush toilets, dumpster, D. BD $15, E/W $30, S/A Pass 1/2 for both. Reservable mid-May thru early Sep, rec.gov. May be open other times. 14-day limit within 30. I-395 x97, go 0.8 mi W on US 44, TR (N) on SR 12, go 2 mi, TL on Thompson Rd, go 0.2 mi, TR on Reardon Rd, go 0.5 mi to CG entrance on L. 41.95488N 71.89437W. Sites irregularly spaced along a wooded loop. Most OK for lg rigs. Hiking trails. Dogs must be on leash at all times. 4 bars Verizon. Shaded. DK Fields #116447 Indiana FRANKLIN : Johnson County Park. 60 sites with 30- 50-A E/W, tables. Rest rooms/showers, trash cans, D. W is turned off Nov 1—Apr 1. $25. Reserve 812-526-6809. I-65 x90, go 2.6 mi W on King St/SR-44 to Franklin, TL (S) on US 31, go 6 mi to SR 252, TR (W), go 2.4 mi to School house Rd, TL (S), go 2 mi to Park. 39.37865 -86.04759. No tents. Hoosier Horse Park has 70 E sites for those with horses, same price. Playground, community camp fi re. jocoparks.com/campgrounds Dave Ed #62492 GREENFIELD : Very lg RA, 2 levels for truck/RV pkg. No restrictive signs. I-70 MM 107, both sides. Upper level, designated "Additional" is reached from fi rst end of main truck area, up a wide driveway. 39.8256 -85.7044. Quieter than lower area as fewer trucks use. Can park on end space or at edge to open slide on curb side. Reason ably level. WB side appears to have another larger, unlined pkg area above the 2 truck areas. Sherman and Joanne Lanz #118589 GREENWOOD : Camping World, customer pkg lot. Free. O/N OK, check with store personnel if open. No restrictive signs. I-65 x99, go W, turn immed L (S) on Sheek Rd. 303 Sheek Rd. Not very level. Narrow spaces, little room for slideouts. Quiet at night. 866-395-7711. Dan and Carol O’Brien #82088 Massachusetts WAREHAM : Wareham Cranberry Region Visitor Ctr, RA and boat launch. Free. No signs prohibit O/N pkg. I-195, NB side. 41.74942 -70.74655. Three sections—1st for lg rigs. 2nd is picnic area where sm rigs can park. Third is boat launch at Weweantic Riv, several long pkg spaces. Fairly fl at and level. Quiet. OK Verizon. Ctr not open but pkg OK. Larry and Joyce Space #61818

CARBONDALE : Level dirt pkg lot (city). Dumpster. Signed 24-hr limit. NE corner 4th St and Colorado Ave, across from City Hall and police sta. 39.40179 -107.21114. One blk from downtown area. Any size rig. Free WiFi from bench next to City Hall. Quiet. Elev 6180'. Nearby USPS of fi ce has a wealth of local camping info. Richard and Kathy Howe #74769 CARBONDALE : BD (BLM). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. From SR 82 in town go 2.7 mi S on SR 133. TL on CR 5 (Prince Creek Rd). After 2.8 mi, pavement ends and somewhat bumpy/rocky dirt rd begins. BLM land begins at 4 mi in, several sites on both sides of rd. At 4.7 mi is another lg, unlevel spot and last turnaround before steep grade begins (do not take lg rig beyond turnaround). Often busy weekends. Good biking/hiking trails. Rainer and Marie Von Minden #68253 CRESTED BUTTE : Gothic CG (NF). Four sites, tables, fi re grates. Vault toilet. $18, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. No Reservations. Jun 19—Sep 29. From Gunnison, SR 135 N to Crested Butte, go N on FR 317 to CG. Keep food in a hard-sided vehicle or camping unit. Hiking, fi shing. Firewood $10/bundle. 9600' elev. tinyurl.com/omuffnn. Herb and Fran Pallesen #9261 LEADVILLE : Turquoise Lake Rec Area, 8 CGs (NF). Tables, toilets. $26, S/A Pass 1/2. Camping allowed in designated sites only. Quiet hrs 10p–8a. 6th St W from town to CR 37, TR, then TL on CR 4, continue to CR 9C, TR. Matchless CG (Lg open paved area, marked sites, any size rig) is 1/4 mi in, on L. Others up to 5 mi in. CGs close after Labor Day, Matchless and Tabor (and maybe May Queen) are free and open until snow prevents (no W, pit toilet open). tinyurl.com/hzvlz fl . TWINLAKES : SR 82 BD (NF). Free. 14-day limit. 15 mi S of Leadville on US 24, go W on SR 82. At 0.8 mi, TL on gravel rd (N39 4.642 W106 17.703, old CR 25 not signed), (1) go 0.2 mi, TR on short rough gravel loop rd to sites. N39 4.6569 W106 17.9598. OK for 2–3 lg rigs. Along Arkansas Riv. (2) 4.0 Mi W of US 24, go N on CR 24 at Lakeview CG sign. Go 1/4 mi past CG, just past Mt. Elbert Trailhead pkg, 39.1008 -106.36093. Also sites on FR 123 dirt rd to l, 39.10136 -106.36892. Sm vehicles only. Can park on side of rd or drive into dispersed treed area. Good AT&T and Verizon. (3) 8 mi W of US 24 , sites 1/3 mi E of Willis Gulch Trailhead, 39.06703 -106.39992. Room for 3–4 lg rigs and other spots ok for sm rigs. Greg and Kim Ketcher #140941

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September/October 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine